Monitoring Your Immune System, Emphasis on Your!

You may be great about going in and getting your blood work done as recommended…but do you know what those results mean? What’s a CD4 count? Should it go up or down? Or what’s your Viral Load? Is a high number good or bad? And what’s this ratio that always comes up? If we are knowledgeable regarding this disease, we can actively participate in our own treatment.

Do you know the answers to these questions? More importantly do you know what the answers mean? How closely do you monitor your immune system and how do you do it, or do you? We’d like to hear your ideas on how to monitor your own immune system; perhaps your ideas can help someone else. Please tell us your thoughts.

More evidence continues to be found proving the dangerous effects of crystal meth, particularly for those who are at risk for or who have HIV.

With many HIV positive individuals battling issues such as depression, lack of energy, low self-confidence and anxiety, it’s easy to see how this drug has become a popular release from the stresses of living with HIV as it promises to temporarily erase or gloss over these concerns. Crystal meth may sound like a great cure for the woes of PHA’s, but Scientists continue to find more evidence of the dangerous and possible deadly results of its use, including the fact that meth can interfere and negate the effects of HAART, leading to a more rapid progression of HIV. Meth also causes permanent changes in the physical structure of the brain, possibly changing a person’s psychology and ability to think clearly.

What do you think? Is the risk worth the fun? Some feel that they can choose to use crystal meth occasionally; for example to enhance or prolong sexual pleasure, and then not think of the drug until the next party. Is this a healthy attitude? Or should we all be scared shitless of the fact that this drug will kill you (possibly), and never even be tempted by it? We want to know what you feel. What do you see out there? Tell us your thoughts.

Our treatment blog is currently in hiatus and will return in January 2009. In the meantime, please let us know what your areas of interest are. We notice there are many “hits” on the blog so many of you are reading, however there aren’t many comments made on the entries we make.

You can make comments by clicking comments section after this entry and then typing in your comment where it says leave your comment. You can click anonymous at the bottom of your comment if you wish to remain anonymous, and then click publish comment.

Please let us know what you think of our blog, what you want to know more about, and what your areas of interest are. Ask us a question. This will help us in generating more discussion of importance to you. See you in 2009!

Can We Cure HIV Using Stem Cells?

You are HIV+. The virus is undetectable from the use of HAART. Is it possible to cure HIV from the body? Physicians from Germany appear to have done so. They describe a 40-year-old man—an American working in Berlin—whose HIV had been under good control for several years using a typical cocktail of drugs known as HAART. Then he developed acute leukemia. In an attempt to cure the leukemia, he underwent a course of radiation therapy and chemotherapy in preparation for a stem cell transplant. The patient's stem cell transplant was a success. Furthermore, now off HAART for almost two years, the patient shows no detectable signs of HIV in his blood, bone marrow, lymph nodes, intestines, or brain. This patient represents a functional cure. Is this the future of HIV therapy? Are stem cells the answer to HIV/AIDS? Are we finally at the door to a cure? What are your thoughts? What do you think of this?

Raw or Wrapped? Is Barebacking a Concern?

You are HIV+ and Undetectable. Are you jeopardizing your health because you think it’s ok to play raw? Unsafe sex isn't worth the risk. You are risking your health. For PHA’s unsafe sex places both individuals at risk for a wide array of STDs. STDs can behave differently in PHA’s. Hepatitis, Syphilis, HPV and many others can have far more serious consequences for PHA’s than for those with intact immune systems. HIV reinfection (dual infection, superinfection) can also occur early in the course of infection. Safe sex does protect against many blood-borne infections that are major causes of life-threatening diseases and death in people with HIV. What do you think? Is it condom fatigue or wishful thinking? How are you playing?

HIV+ In Today's World. So Many Possibilities!

You are HIV+. Taking your medications has stabilized your health. But has living with HIV stopped you from living a full life? Has your world become a smaller place because of instability or your needs not being met? Is anyone listening? Do you require more than just medical appointments, doctors and meds? HIV treatment includes living with the virus and awareness to mental/physical needs. Is it time to be ‘pro-active’ in your own life? There are many resources available to you for assistance and guidance as a PHA in today's world. Connecting with peers may be a way to open your life to new avenues while continuing the fight to remain healthy. What are some positive steps you are taking to remain active? Is there something we can help you with? Perhaps you can share ideas that have helped you.

Bones and HIV. Do you have that aching feeling?

As people living with HIV take medications over time, a growing list of conditions has become a concern for those who try to manage their overall health. One of the concerns is painful, aching bones. As the body is weakened by HIV the increase in pain can be difficult to live with. Bone is living tissue and is in constant change during your life. People with HIV face more bone loss than HIV-negative people of the same sex and age. Increased risk for developing thin bones (osteoporosis) and bone damage such as fractures are just some of the problems. Supplements can help support your body’s ability to stop and reverse bone loss. It is suggested to refer to your doctor for information on the need for bone-building nutrients such as calcium, magnesium and vitamins C and D. What do you do to ensure healthy bones? Please share your thoughts.